Snap-valve mechanism



Jan. I5 4, 1924.

J'. H. KoLTs SNAP VALVE MECHANISM File'd Aug. 26 1921 4 SheetS-Sheei;` 1

Jan. 15 1924.

v 1,480,765 J. H. KOLTS SNAP VALVE MECHANISM Filed Aug. 26 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 "-rr 'L-- v I Jan. 15, 1924. 1,480,765 J. H. KCLTS SNAP VALVE MECHANI SM Filed Aug. 26. 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet' 5 @5% btom/L; Z

Jan. 15 1924. 1,480,765

J. H. KoL'rs SNAP VALVE MECHAN'ISM Filed Aug. 26. 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet 4f Patented J an.. liti,

titans PATENl1 QFFICE.

JOHN H. KOLTS, OF CRAFTN, EENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR T PITTSBURGH WATER HEATER COMPANY, A CORPORATON O' NEW JERSEY.

SNAP-VALVE MEGHANISM.

Application filed August 2G, 1921.

To all 107mm if; may] concern:

Be it known that l, loi-1N H. Korfrs, a citizen ot the United States, residing at Gratten, in the county ot Allegheny and 5 State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and use'l'ul improvements in Snap Valve Mechanism, of Which the following is a specication.

This invention relates to snap valve l0 mechanism for hot Water heating appara tus, such as storage heaters and the like, and it has ttor one oi its primary objects the provision oi'i a. simple -and inexpensive snap valve mechanism which is etlective and reliable in operation and the parts ot which are easy to assemble, and readily accessible tor repair or "renewal Another objectis to provide an improved snap valve in which leakage is practically eliminated; and the lite of which is greatly extended; and which may be readily repaired or inspected Without impairing `the operation of the parts.

My invention 'further contemplates a construction in which friction or resistance to movement of the operating,` parts is reduced to a minimum and which is in this respect, :tool proof.

dtill another' object is to provide an improved valve mechanism which can be readily adapted y to differently arranged thermostats, such as horizontal or vertical thermostats, 'for example.

The foregoing, together with such other objects as may hereinafter appear, or are incident to my invention, lt obtain by means of a construction illustrated in preferred form in the accompanying drawings, Wherein:

Fig. 1 is a sectional vievv illustratingF my improvements on the line 1.-1 of Fig. 2 illustrating; their application to a vertical uthermostat; Fig. 2 is an end elevation of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a View as at right angles to Fig. 1 and from the rear oit Fig. 2, partly in section, illustrating the application to a horizontal thermostat; Fig. 4 is a plan view ot Fig. 3; and Figs. 5 and 6 are respectively a sectional and plan vievv of a modilication of my invention. Fig. 7 is a vieiv similar to lig. 3 illustratingthe snap valve mecha Serial .'b'l'o. 495,624.

nism ot 5 and 6 applied in connection With a horizontally arranged thermostat.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the reference letter A indicates the heater tank having a thermostat B secured in place by the plug C, the outer end 7 ot which is externally threaded. The valve mechanism comprises the casing1 indicated as a Whole by the relerence letter D, such casing being composed of the members c, t, g; the member having a yoke-like extension or bracket 8 adapted to receive the usual multiplyinglever 9,

and having its upper end 10 internally threaded to engage the threaded end 7 of the plug. The interior ot the casing; is divided into compartments 11 and 12 by a diaphragm valve 13, mounted and secured between the members c and f and adapted to take seat against the seat la surrounding the outlet 15 in the member c, and conw trolling the fiovv of gas from compartment 11 to the burners (net shoivn). Gas is admitted to the said compartment l1 through the inlet 16.

Pressure from compartment 11 enters compartment 12 through the passage 17, port 18 and passage 19. the port being con- J[rolled by the valve 2O which is inserted into the casing through the opening 21, closed by the plug; 22. The valve is normally held closed by a spring 23, and its stem proper, 2li extends into the open ended diaphragm chamber 25. rl`he chamber is closed by a plug` 26 which serves to secure a diaphragm 27 carrying a second stem or tappet member 28 guided in the plug 26 in which it has a tree, sliding1 fit. The diaphragm is secured to the member 28 by a cap screw 29 and the stem proper 24: butts against such screw. lThe stem 28 is virtually packed against leakage by the diaphragm 27 Without the friction incident to ordinary methods of packing; While at the same time it is guided and exposed for endvvise engagement by the lever 9 Without any liability or being deflected sidewise by the lever so as to bind or become jammed.

Pressure is relieved or exhausted from the compartment 12 through passage 30, relief port 31 and outlet 32 leadingm to the pilot valve or some other point Where the small quantity of gas thus relieved may be consumed to avoid smells. The relielz port is controlled by a valve 20a of the same construction and assembled in the same manner as that just described.

It will be noted that the valves 2O and 20a are arranged in substantial alinement and are oppositely acting. The end of 'the lever 9 fits nicely between the' stem members 28 so as toreduc'e lo'st motion t'o a minimum.

The operation is as follows: When the temperature of the water in the tank is above the standard selected (by adjustment of the set screw 9a) the thermostat in expanding permits spring 9b to move the lever 9 to the left,closing the valve 2()a controlling the relief port 31 if such valve be open, and opening the other valve 20, controlling port 18, thereby admitting pressure to compartment 12. As soon as the pressure equalizes in the two compartments the diaphragm valve y13 snaps shut, because the drag of the outflow through the `outlet 15, plus the action of gravity, is suihcient to produce an unbalanced condition resulting in a snapping shut of the valve. Where the temperature drops below the predetermined point, the thermos' stat contracts, and, overcoming the resistance of the spring 9b, moves the lever to the right, closing port 18 and opening relief port 31, which results in the exhaust of pressure from compartment 12 and a snapping open ot the valve.

It will be observed that the diaphragms 27 prevent leakage from the iompartment `12 around the valve stemsandI have 'found the arrangement to be very advantageous for the diaphragme present a minimum ot resistance to movement of the valve much less than the usual packed form of valves. The arrangement also obviates a defect of the latter type, namely in the packed type. the nuts may be easily drawn up too tight, increasing the 'friction to such a point as to make the valves sluggish or even inoperative. I am enabled by mv construction to always ensure sensitivene'ss in operation.

Should it be desired to apply the valve to i. horizontal thermostat, the adapter of Figs. 3 and 4 i'semployed with the structure of Figs. 1 and 2 or of Figs. 5 and 6, the latter as. shown in Fig. 7. This adapter includes the elbCw-like member having one end 36 internally threaded to .fit the plug C and its other end shaped to tit the plug 37 having a threaded portion corresponding to the end 7 of .the plugand. therefore, adapted to fit the threaded end 10 of the bracket 8 or the valve casing D. The member 35 is secured to the plug)l 37 by the stud 38, and it has two clevis arms or sides 39, the ends of which abut the extension 8 and support the same. Between the arms 39 a lever 40 is pivoted, one leg oi which engages the thermostat and.

the other the set screw 9, the lever cooperatingv 'to transmit the horizontal movements of the thermostat to lever 9. No alteration of the valve mechanism is thus required, save possibly the adjustment of the set screw 9. The advantages of this will be readily understood.

In 'the modification oi Figs. 5 and 6, which lI prefer to the construction already described, the vvalve yseat 14: is ormed separate from the casing member e, preferably on a closure or cap member 14 which is threaded into an opening in the casing wall. l have found that the seat works a groove in the leather of the valve member and that when the casing parts c, are disassembled for purposes of examination or repair, it is impossible to get them together again with the groove and seat concentric` so that leakage takes place. By the construction under consideration access may be had to the valve proper by simply removing the cap 14 and without disturbing the diaphragm; and when the cap is screwed back the valve seat and the groove in the valve will be comen-- tric.

It will also be noted that both valves 2O and 20a are in this instance mounted in separate casings g and g threaded or otherwise secured to the main casing-an arrangement which is more simple and economical. Gas pressure is conveyed from compartment 11 to compartment 12 by the connection 17. The bracket 8 is also somewhat differently disposed. The operation is the same as that previously described.

In Figs. 5, 6, and 7 various parts and teatures corresponding to those illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4: are marked with the same referencecharacters, as a means of dispensing with merely'repetitivc description.

What I claim is:

1. In a heater, the combination with the thermostat and its lever, oi a snap valve comprising a casing, a diaphragm dividing said casing into two compartments, one of which is provided withan inlet and outlet` and the other of which has a reliet outlet, a port establishing communication between the two compartments, a valve controlling said port and a valve controlling said reliet` outlet, the stems of which are adapted to be engaged by the lever, means yieldingly urg ing said valves to closed position, and a seat adjacent the first mentioned outlet on which said diaphragm is Vadapted to seat upon opening of the relief outlet.

2. In a heater, the combination with ther thermostat and its lever, of a snai valve conjiprising a casing; a diaphragm dividing` saidvcasing into two Icompartmenis, one ot which provided with an inlet and with an youtlet vcontrolled by said diaphra mi, and the other of which is provided wit i a relief outlet; 'a port adapted to establish )lll eoinmunieation between the two compartments, a valve eonl'rollinpj` said reliet outlet; and a valve oontiplling;l said port, the stems ot which are adapted to be engaged by said lever; and a diaphragm tor each stein secured to the easii'igg.

ln a heater, the combination `with the thermostat and its lover, or a snap valve comprit-limi` a easing; a diaphrefni dividing),- said easing into two compartments, one olf which is provided with an ,inlet and with an outlet eontrolled by said diaphragm, and the other ot which is provided with a reliet outlet; port adapted to establish Communication between the two Compartments; a valve controlling; said reliei3 outlet and a valve eoiitrollingI said port., the stems ot which a adapted to be engaged by said lever; a guide for each stem mounted on the easing; and a diaphragm interposed between each guide and the easing.

il. ln a heater, the eoniibination with the thermostat and its lever, ot a snap valve comprisin@` a easing; a diaphragm dividing1 said casina` into two compartments, one of which is provided with an inlet and with an outlet controlled by said diaphragm, and the other oit whieh is provided with a reliet outlet; a port adapted to establish oommunieation between the two compartments; a valve eontrollinp; said relief outlet and a valve controlling said port, the stems ot which `are adapted to be engaged by said lever; a guide :tor each stern mounted on the easing; and a diaphragm interposed between each guide and the easing; said two diaphragmebeing subject to atmospheric pressure on one side.

5. ln a heater, the combination with the thermostat and its lever, ot a snap valve oomprisin,e` a easing; a. diaphragm dividing,n said easing; into two compartments, one o'l': which is provided with an inlet and with an outlet controlled by said diaphragm, and the other of which is provided with a relie'lI outlet; va port adapted to establish Communication between the two Comparti'nents; a valve controlling; said reliet outlet and a valve controlling said gort, the stems ot which are adapted to be eno ged by said lever, a guide plug.;- tor each stem threaded into the easing; and a diaphragm tor each stem secured by the respective plug.

6. ln heater, the combination with the thermostat and its lever, ot a snap valve comprising a easing; a diaphragm dividing` said easing into two compartments, one ot which is provided with an inlet and with an outlet eontrolled by said diaphragm; a port establishing communication between the two compartments and a relief outlet from said other Compartment arranged in opposite sides olE the casing; valves controllinp` port and relief outlet, the easing being1 provided with openings for the insertion of said valves and for the stems thereo'l; plugs threaded into the easing tor Closing; said openings; and a diaphragm tor each stein soeur-ed by the plugtherefor.

7. ln a heater, the combination with a thermostat and its attaching plug, and a valve easing; ini-ving,` an extension adapted to be engaged with the plug in substantial alinenient therewith and provided with a multiplying lever adapted to be operated upon by a thermostat, ot an adapter adapted to be interposed between the thermostat and the easingcomprising an elbow-like member adapted to be engaged with the plugA and the extension and provided with a lever cooperating; to transmit movement of the thermostat to the multiplyingn lever.

il. lin a heater, the combination with a thermostat and its attaching plug, and a valve easinp; having),1 an extension adapted to be engaged with the plrrgI insubstantial alinement therewith and provided with a multiplying lever adapted to be operated upon by the thermostat, ot an adapter adapted to be interposed between the thermostat and the easingeomprising an elbowlike member adapted to be engaged with the plug; and the extension and provided with a lever cooperating to transmit movement oit the thermostat to the multiplyin lever, said adapter being; constructed to provide support for said easing when the parts are assembled.

9. ln a heater, the combination with a thermostat and its attaching plug, and a valve easing1 adapted to have engagement with the plug; in substantial alinement therewith and provided with a multiplyinlvoiv lever adapted to be operated upon by the thermo- Stat, of an adapter adapted to be interposed between the thermostat and the easing; oomprisinoj an,elbow-lilre member adapted to be enoaed with the plug' and the easing' and provided with a lever Cooperatingn to transmit movement ot' the thermostat to the multiplying lever.

l0. ln a heater, the Combination with the thermostat and its lever, of a snap valve eonnorising` ay easing; with a diaphragm dividinp; the same into two compartments, one e provided with an inlet and an outlet and the other having` a reliet' outlet, and a port tor communication between the two oompartments, a valve Controllingsaid port and an aetuatinp; stem therefor guided and enposed vFor endwise engagement with said lever, and a diaphragm packing; 'tor said stem.

ll. lin a heater, the combination with the thermostat and its lever. oit a valve mechanism Corninisingil a main valve easing", a diaphragm therein, means for supplyingr gas to the easing); on one side ot' the diaphragm, means 'for conveying pressure to the opposite leide, a valve controllingn said last means,

lill@ lill@ a relief from said opposite side, a valve controlling Said rehe and :i (za-slug for each of said two last valves secured to the mam casing Tying a seat for said valve.

l2. In a heater, a snap Valve device eom- In testimonyY whereof, I have holemiio prising a casing with a diaphragm Valve signed my 11eme. mounted therein, said casing having an opening in its Wall for access to said vulve Without disturbance of Jche diaphragm, und a removable closure for sind opening ear* 10 JOHN H. KOLTS. 

